MP Aldag Calls for Preservation of 300-acre Federal Lands for Agricultural Use

June 22, 2022 – British Columbia

MP Aldag has advocated since the 42nd Parliament for the 300-acre federally owned lands along the Surrey-Langley border, currently used by local vegetable farms, to remain agricultural after the government’s current disposal process:

“I toured these agricultural lands one day after the extreme flooding last November. We drove across fields in a truck while most other farmland was under water — a testament to the quality and importance of these lands for our economy, food security, and environment.

“I advocated for these lands in the 42nd Parliament and have doubled down by leading the advocacy in the past year. The 300-acre site is an essential producer of vegetables for our region and all of British Columbia. I believe the best use of these lands is continued agricultural production. These lands are critical in preserving food security and mitigating climate change in our community and British Columbia. While I support the development of industrial space in many parts of our community, these specific lands must remain agricultural.

“I converged a bipartisan group of local MPs to ensure that the voices advocating for continued agricultural use are heard. I have been briefed by the departments of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development and Public Services and Procurement Canada. I advocated for a complete review of these lands, including for agricultural and not only industrial use. I believe these lands are best placed in the provincial Agricultural Land Reserve. This is one of many steps needed between now and the finalization of the department’s disposal process, including meaningful consultations with First Nations groups. Depending on the outcome of those consultations, I am committed to seeing these lands remain in agricultural production.”

Contacts:

Megan Waddington
Constituency Assistant
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
604-575-6595
john.aldag@parl.gc.ca